Zero mining fatalities reported for 2017–18

Favourable trends in the mining industry have been highlighted by a recent report from the NSW Resources Regulator.

The 2017–18 Mine Safety Performance Report provides an overview of the health and safety performance of the NSW mining and petroleum industry and selected regulatory activities during that time.

While there were 82 series injuries reported during this timeframe, there were zero deaths. There were also 239 lost time injuries, 226 injury outcomes (lost time and/or restricted duty) of seven days or more, and 920 total recordable injuries reported in 2017–18. In addition, 1385 mine safety notices were issued by the regulator, including 244 prohibition notices.

During 2017–18, the NSW Resources Regulator conducted 61 planned Targeted Assessment Programs (TAPs), in order to assess the efficacy of a mining operation in controlling its most significant risks. It also undertook seven reactive Targeted Intervention Programs (TIPs), which aim to maximise voluntary compliance to prevent multiple-fatality and single-fatality events and serious injury, following an identified safety issue.

The report said that overall there has been a long-term decrease in fatal injuries in the NSW mining coal, metalliferous and extractives sectors recorded since 1900. “Since 2008–09, the rolling five-year average frequency rate of fatal injuries ranged from a low of 0.014 to a high of 0.035 injuries per million hours worked. This is likely due to the small numbers of fatalities,” the report said.

According to the NSW Resources Regulator, the NSW mining industry is on track to contribute toward the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012–2022 targets of a 20% reduction in fatalities and a 30% reduction in the incidence rate of claims resulting in one or more weeks off work. Similar measures in the report are showing favourable trends in line with these national targets.

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